Tag Archives: electric toothbrush

So you have bought yourself your first electric toothbrush. Congratulations, you have made one of the best choices for the future of your oral health, and now it’s time to find out when and how you should replace and maintain the head of your toothbrush.

Simple enough as it may seem at first glance, caring for your electric toothbrush is important, as it is an investment into the future, and is a field where many people fail to adhere to the proper procedures. This leads to diminished results, and it can impact the longevity of your toothbrush. Here is how you can do it just right.

When to replace and how to care for your electric toothbrush

As a general rule of thumb, a toothbrush needs replacing every three months. However, this rule will vary depending on your toothbrush maintenance and storage habits. A typical toothbrush head can last much longer than three months at a time. However, if you keep it too close to the toilet and don’t put it back into the container after every use, you are shortening its lifespan significantly.
By using a toothbrush sanitizer you can extend the effectiveness of your toothbrush and you will only need to replace it when the bristles have lost their structural integrity. Additionally, be sure to clean your container once a week and keep your toothbrush away from the toilet, as germs travel through the air whenever you flush.

Replacing the head

When it comes to replacing the head of your electric toothbrush-, you want to make sure you’re doing it right in order to get the most out of your product.
Fortunately, this is a pretty straightforward process. Firstly, be sure you’re not pulling the head straight off the brush, as it won’t detach that way. The electric toothbrush has a unique mechanism, so you will need to hold the base of the toothbrush with one hand, and pull up its head with the other by twisting it counterclockwise.
Take the new head, place it in the same spot, and rotate it clockwise until the notches have slid into place. You should hear a familiar click, acknowledging that the head is in place, locked and secured, and ready for use.

Regular toothbrush care and replacement is essential in maintaining a pearly smile that not only looks good, but is also healthy to boot. Be sure to use these simple tips and you will have no problems maintaining your oral health for years to come.

There are plenty of ways and effective brushing techniques that can support healthy gums and teeth; however, sometimes it can be difficult to choose the best toothbrush to suit your needs. Moreover, electric toothbrushes are still somewhat of a mystery to many people who might feel discouraged to try them out simply because they are unaware of their benefits.
This is not to say that manual toothbrushes don’t have their place in the modern world. On the contrary, the differences between the two seemingly opposing fronts are what make them unique, and thus suitable for different people. Here is how you can easily decide what type of toothbrush is perfect for you.

Benefits of electric toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes represent a positive step forward in the world of oral health by boasting a myriad of contemporary features that manual toothbrushes simply don’t have. Probably the most notable benefit lies in their versatility and the ability to serve a multitude of purposes and people with different conditions.
If you have sensitive gums or problems with arthritis, an electric toothbrush can allow you to maintain a safe and healthy brushing schedule, without the risk of damaging your teeth. Given the fact that modern electric toothbrushes have variable speeds, they can not only be of great use to people with sensitive teeth and gums, but can also ensure that you are providing an adequate amount of pressure.
An electric toothbrush is also excellent for children who may find brushing to be boring and tedious, allowing them to clean thoroughly and enjoy the process as well. Bear in mind that electric brushes are more expensive; however, they are also more of an investment into the future.

Benefits of manual toothbrushes

One of the main reasons why people stick to manual toothbrushes is because they feel like they have more control over the brushing process. Controlling the pressure and speed with which you brush your teeth is important, however, the manual toothbrush fails to reach the tiny nooks and crannies, or eliminate plaque the way electric toothbrushes do.
Another benefit of a manual toothbrush is that it is small, simple and compact, and thus easy to store and pack for travel. They are also significantly cheaper, although the fact that they need to be replaced quite frequently raises the suspicion whether or not they are actually economical. However, by using a brush sanitizer you can prolong the lifespan of your manual or electric toothbrush.

It’s not always easy finding the best solution that will ensure your teeth are strong and healthy, however if you combine regular flossing with your brushing regime, you can make great use of both an electric and a manual toothbrush. Be sure to weigh out the pros and cons and you will have no problems making the best possible decision for the future of your oral health.

It seems like a simple, straightforward process that requires little to no expertise. Yet, many people fail to implement the basic rules of maintaining a clean toothbrush and end up putting their oral care in jeopardy. Here’s a comprehensive list of missteps to avoid when cleaning a toothbrush!

Upside-down placement

Even if you clean your toothbrush thoroughly on a regular basis, if you store it by placing it head-first into the bacterial build up of your cup, then it defeats the purpose of cleaning it in the first place.
Keep your brushes upright and clean your container at least once a week to remove the dirt residue and prevent any contamination.

Too close to the toilet

You’ve used it, washed it and rinsed it, and then you placed it less than 2 feet from your toilet? Then you expose your brush to water with microparticles of fecal matter that fill the air when you flush, which cannot be good for your oral health.
Store your brushes at least those 2 feet away from the toilet, rinse them before your next use, and flush with the lid down for good measure.

Harsh disinfection

The American Dental Association explains that using mouthwash or microwaves to clean your toothbrush doesn’t have any proven value added. On the contrary, it can cause damage to your bristles, making the brush less effective.
If you want to deep-clean your toothbrush, use a UV sanitizer which is perfectly safe and doubles as a storage container.

Avoid toothbrush kisses

Even when all of your family members follow the simple procedure of rinsing out food debris with hot water from the toothbrush before and after every brushing, things can still get dirty.
Letting your toothbrushes stand too close together and come in contact with each other can spread contamination as much as sharing a toothbrush with a family member, and neither is a good idea.

Simply put, stick to your wash and rinse strategy mixed with a trusty sanitizer, and you needn’t worry about those pesky bacteria, especially if you listen to your dentist and get a new brush every three to four months!

For those who want to add a personal touch to their bathroom shelves, or turn teeth-brushing into a joy for their little nestlings, there is always a way to make it fun. Here are some of the most versatile hacks to store your toothbrush to add style and functionality to any bathroom.

1. Colorful mugs

One of the simplest ways to spruce up the appearance of your bathroom shelf is to add a couple of vivid mugs to serve as your toothbrush and toothpaste storage. All it takes is waterproof paint or markers, and let your imagination do the rest!

2. Glass jars

You can fill the jars with interesting pebbles or buttons to give them a twist of fun, and you can embellish them with waterproof paint or permanent parkers. Mounted on the wall or simply placed on the shelf, these jars are a perfect solution for your toothbrushes.

3. A brush-osaurus

If your little ones won’t mind, you can repurpose one or two of their dinosaur toys as the new toothbrush holders! This time, you’ll need a sharp cutter to make a proper hole on the back of the dinosaur, and you can use a single toy for multiple brushes.

4. Captain hook

Many toothbrushes nowadays have those little holes on the bottom, which makes them perfect for storing on hooks. There are numerous buy-in-store options available, such as hooks with sticky tape or with suction, and both are perfect and safe for kids.

5. Vertical wall pockets

Made from your cotton towels, or store-bought, these comfy storage pockets are also perfect for saving some space on your shelves and around bathroom sink. All you need are a few of those suction hooks to hang the pockets and store everything you need to brush your teeth.

6. Plastic bottle bottom

When you no longer have use for those plastic bottles, use their bottoms to store tooth brushing essentials. However, to avoid sharp edges, glue some fabric over them and color them to make them look more festive.

7. Sleek sanitizers

What can be more perfect than a holder that doubles as your toothbrush cleanser? Pick your favorite design and store your brushes in a UV sanitizer with separate containers for all your family members. If you’re keen on making them more colorful, stickers are always an excellent choice!

8. Legos

Your kids have a few extra Lego cubes and they’re up for a family DIY project? This is a perfect way to put those Legos to a good use. Make sure to use even pieces for the basis, and the rest can be as quirky and colorful as you’d like it to be.

9. Retro wooden holder

One of the rising trends for the season is going green – use recycled, sustainable wooden blocks to make your retro toothbrush holder. You can also use a marker, nametags and other fun add-ons to make those a more cheerful addition to your bathroom décor.

10. Travel-friendly holder

Remember those practical pockets on the wall? In case you are a travel-enthusiast, you can make a single larger pocket with separate sections for each toothbrush. You’ll need a hand towel, a piece of rope or a ribbon for the back, and you can sew the pockets and the ribbon to roll your tooth-care essentials for the next trip!

The toothbrush is a modern-day necessity that helps maintain a high level of personal hygiene and other health benefits. Interested to find out where it all began? Who invented the first toothbrush to give you the sparkling smile you proudly wear today?

The Beginning

In 1487, at the age of 17, Zhu Youcheng succeeded his father to the throne of China, and reigned as Emperor until his death in 1505. He was the ninth Emperor of the Ming Dynasty and is known as the Hongzhi Emperor, meaning “Good Government”.

Believe it or not, it was Hongzhi who patented the first toothbrush in 1498.The first toothbrush was designed with hogback bristles set into bamboo sticks.. However, there are reports of similar toothbrush designs dating back as far as 1223. During the age of the Tang Dynasty, Japanese Zen Master Dogen Kigen recorded in his journals that he witnessed Chinese monks cleaning their teeth with horse-tail brushes attached to impromptu bone handles.

However, historical facts state that the horse-tail brushes were not stiff enough to provide thorough cleaning, and it was Hongzhi who “perfected” the design.

The predecessors

Back then, Oral hygiene was significantly different, if not to say virtually non-existent throughout history. Folks did not have the resources or the cultural heritage that would instill regular teeth cleaning as a necessity.

By the time toothbrushes made their way to Europe, popular methods were used to clean one’s teeth. Some used a chew stick that entailed people chewing on a stick until it frayed. Once frayed the natural properties of the stick would clean the teeth and gums.

While the chew stick was popular in ancient Egypt and Muslim cultures throughout the Middle East, others would used rags dipped in Sulphur oil or a saline solution to wipe the teeth clean. A popular teeth cleaning and whitening method to this very day is the method of rubbing baking soda directly onto teeth without the use of rags. This is however, a risky method that could harm your teeth and gums.

A modern-day masterpiece

The toothbrush did not manage to catch on until the late 18th century, when an Englishman named William Addis came to the conclusion that the ineffective horse-hair bristles should be replaced with hog bristles. He started importing hog bristles from Northern China and Siberia and made great success selling high-quality toothbrushes.

More than half a century later, Meyer Rhein patented the first three-row toothbrush featuring serrated bristles and tufts. It wasn’t until WWI that celluloid plastic toothbrush handles appeared, since bone resources were highly needed for the war effort.

In 1938, nylon was produced and so came the nylon bristle brushes. Soon after that, the first ever electric toothbrush was invented in 1939. However, it would take another 22 years of trial and error for the first successful electric toothbrush to hit the market, redefining history and setting the stage for the popularization of modern electric toothbrushes.

History is made with a spark of an idea, and apparently, a hog. Contrary to popular belief, the toothbrush is not a modern-day invention, rather it is a contemporary reiteration of 15th century ingenuity that remains the basis of all oral care today. The world owes much to the young Chinese Emperor, Zhu Youcheng, and so we celebrate his entrepreneurial spirit and give our thanks, 519 years later.

With so many options to choose from, deciding on the right style of toothbrush can present a conundrum. Are you juggling between a manual and electric sonic toothbrush? You may be asking yourself which brush cleans better or which one is right for you. Let’s demystify the dilemma and help you make an informed decision.

Sonic Cleans Faster and Better

Not wanting to keep you in any further suspense, an electric toothbrush provides the most thorough cleaning. Here come the figures that support that. With up to 22,000 brush strokes per minute, sonic toothbrushes are an awesome tool at removing dental plaque. Manual brushing with a regular brush will deliver only about 300 to 600 movements per minute. Sonic toothbrushes offer a lot more power for a lot less effort and a more thorough cleaning.

Electric Wins Again

Doctors across the country have agreed that if you are looking for the most effective clean then you’ve guessed it – the sonic toothbrush wins again. In fact, studies have shown that it reduces dental plaque by more than 11% when compared to the manual toothbrushes. It is the easiest way to get your teeth clean and most effective indeed. As owners of sonic toothbrushes already know, it’s so easy to get it right—you simply let the electric toothbrush do the work for you!

Helping Maintain Great Oral Hygiene

People with disabilities, arthritis or anyone unable to clean all surfaces of their teeth with a manual brush can benefit greatly from using an electric toothbrush. If you have difficulty brushing manually, a battery operated spinning toothbrush provides a convenient way to thoroughly brush your teeth at a press of a button. You simply place the brush inside your mouth and let the electric motion do the work, providing a thorough clean while maintaining good oral hygiene.

Attractive and Affordable

Although manual toothbrushes still remain significantly cheaper than electrics, the evolution of electric toothbrushes has made them more affordable and attractive. Electric toothbrushes may have been a luxury item many years ago, but these days they are perceived as affordable and a small yet great investment. This and other mentioned benefits are making the electric toothbrush more and more popular. Keep brushing and smiling!